Central Vancouver in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)

Financial District

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 10, 2023

1. Financial District Marker

Inscription. In 1888, the Bank of British Columbia and the Bank of Montreal became the first of many financial institutions to open their offices on Hastings Street west of Cambie. By 1912, Hastings was firmly established as the city's financial district with ten elegant buildings. The importance of this corner is emphasized by the presence of the 1910 Main Post Office with its landmark clock tower and the sleek 1929 Art Deco tower of the Royal Bank Building.

This exquisite heritage building was constructed in a monumental architectural style by The Canadian Bank of Commerce in 1908. Henry Birks and Sons was located across the street in 1906 and in 1913 moved to Granville and Georgia, taking along the famous Birks Clock. In 1994, Birks Group, Inc. moved to this building, returning the store and the historic clock to their original neighbourhood.

Erected by Vancouver Heritage Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.

Location. 49° 17.106′ N, 123° 6.827′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, British Columbia, in

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Metro Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. It is at the intersection of West Hastings Street and Granville Street, on the left when traveling north on West Hastings Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 690 W Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6C 1T2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on British Columbia’s Lower Mainland

and in Coast & Mountains.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Meet You Under the Clock (a few steps from this marker); Canadian Bank of Commerce Building (a few steps from this marker); Bank of Toronto (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Canada Pacific Railway Station (about 90 meters away); Angel of Victory, CPR Station Bronze War Memorial (about 180 meters away); BC & Yukon Chamber of Mines (about 180 meters away); Ceperley Rounsefell Building

Photographed by Adam Margolis, October 10, 2023

2. Financial District Marker

Marker location indicated by the red circle.

(about 180 meters away); Royal Bank of Canada Building (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vancouver.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 276 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 17, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.